Post-Session News from Annapolis
2020 Post Session:                            Delegate Trent Kittleman - District 9A
Week Four - April
Contents:
 *  Univ. of Maryland Super Salaries
 *  Federal Judge blocks Kansas Governor from putting 10-person limit on churches
 *  Bills to Veto
 *  Howard County moving forward on expensive redistricting plan
 *  Deadline to apply for a Delegate Kittleman Scholarship  has been Extended to APRIL 30th.
Please forward this email to your family and friends, and encourage them to sign up to receive the weekly News from Annapolis by sending me an email at
.
Hard to Believe . . . 
University of Maryland -- Super-Salaries .

              As small businesses, non-profits, and private businesses in general are grappling with how to pay their employees and stay in business, the only employees who aren't seeming to suffer economically are government workers -- including legislators.  
             Government workers - particularly State employees - are, by and large, underpaid compared with the private sector.
               But not all. 
            Several years ago, MarylandReporter.com published a report of state salaries above $100,000.  The first page listed 30 employees earning from $2,229,194.64 to $492,608.76.  The very high top salaries are easy to understand: football and basketball coaches at the University of Maryland and elsewhere make high salaries. It's a fact of life.
               So the list seemed reasonable -- until I realized that the list had a total of 221 pages!  Moreover , The University of Maryland was responsible for approximately 90% of the very high salaries!
               Today, the Baltimore Sun publishes a functional database of state salaries.  Below, is the first page of the Report listing the first 100 of the 12,000 Top Earners ( I deleted the employees' names).  Other than the two employees who work for the Maryland Department of Health (highlighted), all of the salaries belong to the University of Maryland system.  This visual -- repeated page after page, with the number of non-UMS employees gradually growing -- makes an impression.
   Organization                      Subtitle     Gross Annual
                                                                       Earnings
University of Maryland         UMCP       $3,047,000
University of Maryland         UMCP       $2,542,000
University of Maryland         UMCP       $1,277,000
University of Maryland         UMB          $1,060,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $949,000
University of Maryland         USMO            $946,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $919,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $865,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $860,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $808,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $763,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $763,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $759,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $738,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $715,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $699,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $695,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $681,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $677,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $664,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $662,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $651,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $641,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $635,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $628,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $624,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $606,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $605,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $602,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $581,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $581,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $578,000
University of Maryland         UMBC            $574,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $574,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $572,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $571,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $563,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $559,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $552,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $548,000
University of Maryland         UMGC           $548,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $544,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $537,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $534,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $530,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $523,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $514,000
University of Maryland         UMB              $507,000
University of Maryland         UMGC           $505,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $505,000
 Organization                      Subtitle       Gross Annual
                                                                         Earnings
University of Maryland         UMCP            $497,000
Morgan State University                               $497,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $486,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $486,000
Maryland Department of Health               $478,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $478,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $476,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $475,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $470,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $466,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $466,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $463,000
University of Maryland         UMBC            $460,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $458,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $457,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $457,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $456,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $452,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $450,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $450,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $449,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $448,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $448,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $448,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $447,000
Maryland Department of Health               $446,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $444,000
State Universities and Colleges                  $444,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $442,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $440,000
State Universities and Colleges                  $435,000
State Universities and Colleges                  $434,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $433,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $433,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $431,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $427,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $426,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $425,000
University of Maryland         UMCP            $424,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $424,000
University of Maryland        UMB               $423,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $422,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $422,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $420,000
Universities and Colleges                            $420,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $419,000
University of Maryland         UMGC           $418,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $418,000
University of Maryland         UMB               $417,000

           In June 2017, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore hired Hanover Research to prepare a report benchmarking faculty salaries compared to peers and institutions within the broader Mid-Atlantic Region. Here are several key findings:
  • "Faculty salaries at UMES are above the peer median across all academic ranks, including professors, lecturers, and instructors.  UMES [faculty] earn more than their academic counterparts at 28 or the 33 peer institutions analyzed" earning $10,646 more than the median salary across peer institutions.
  • "In contrast to faculty, non-instructional staff earn slightly less at UMES compared to peer institutions.  The largest pay discrepancies for non-instructional staff are among librarians and relates staff, who make 19 percent less at UMES than the median among peer institutions; followed closely by management and computer engineering and science staff, who earn 15 percent less."
          Even in ordinary times, these salary figures would warrant our attention.  These days, the cost of college is one of the most daunting issues families face.  Often students are saddled with student loans that they cannot afford to pay.
         Many wonder how and why the cost of a college education has become so much more expensive that it was when the "Greatest Generation" went to school.  Perhaps these salaries are part of the answer.
         I have no doubt that the professors, associate professors, assistant professors and others are very good, and normally, I have no problem with people being paid what the market thinks they are worth.  The problem here is, the University of Maryland System is a state institution.  Almost half of the school's funds come from the state and federal government.  In other words, from our taxes. 
        It's possible that Maryland taxpayers support this expense, and highly value the prestige the University of Maryland has garnered over time.  But I think it's time to step back and rethink exactly why we have publicly-funded state colleges.
         This seems like a particularly good time to re-evaluate the mission of our public colleges and universities.  In fact, we may have no choice.  The COVID-19 pandemic is slowly destroying our economy, and if we don't soon begin to reopen the parts of the state where crowds are not a part of the lifestyle, followed by the rest of the State as fast as is prudent, we may have no choice but to make serious -- or even drastic -- cuts in the state budget that will affect every department, agency and educational institution. 
         As difficult as this process will be, it may force us to reign in government spending.  It seems that nothing else will.         
.
Federal Judge blocks Kansas COVID-19 Rule; blocks it for two churches
An Associated Press news article published yesterday signals belief that limiting access to churches violates the Constitution

 

        "TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A federal judge signaled that he believes there's a good chance that Kansas is violating religious freedom and free speech rights with a coronavirus-inspired 10-person limit on in-person attendance at religious services or activities and he blocked its enforcement against two churches that sued over it.

          

        The ruling Saturday from U.S. District Judge John Broomes in Wichita prevents the enforcement of an order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly against a church in Dodge City in western Kansas and one in Junction City in northeast Kansas. The judge's decision will remain in effect until May 2; he has a hearing scheduled Thursday in the lawsuit filed against Kelly by the two churches and their pastors, on whether he should issue a longer-term or broader injunction.  Read more.
.
Kill More Bills
          Below is a list of bills passed by the General Assembly and sent to the governor for his signature or veto, all of which should be vetoed.  Cost is the primary reason.  Because of COVID-19 the state cannot afford any new spending.
          Two bills provide salary increases for various positions in the Department of Health. Although warranted, the cost is simply too high in this environment.
          Another class of bills that deserves a veto are those that create a new tax.  Governor Hogan has honored his pledge not to raise or create new taxes; it is unlikely that he will do so now.
           Finally, a group of bills that should be vetoed are those that create new regulatory schemes.  While regulation is necessary, Marylanders and Maryland businesses are over-regulated.  Complying with regulations almost always increases the cost of doing business, even though is is difficult to determine how or how much.  The three bills I recommend for a veto are unnecessary, over-regulatory, and expensive.
          I've given short descriptions of each bill as well as a link to the bill itself and its fiscal note. 
Veto for Cost
  1. SB 684. Prerelease Unit for Women. (Gender-Responsive Prerelease Act) This bill requires the Commissioner of Correction to operate a comprehensive rehabilitative prerelease unit for women that is a separate structure.  Such an undertaking would cost  $3.4 million annually just to staff the new unit, and $93 million to build it.  The Commissioner recognizes the urgent need for a woman's prerelease center, and has committed to providing one -- but at this time, a stand-alone and this is not the time to insist on that requirement. 
  2. SB 987: Racing and Community Development Act of 2020.  This is a landmark piece of legislation. After years of negotiation on how to save Pimlico and the Preakness, the parties involved came to an agreement this year that would provide for (1) the redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore City and Laurel Park in Anne Arundel County and (2) the conveyance of the Bowie Race Course Training Center to the City of Bowie.  Unfortunately, the fiscal note for the bill is$3.75 million.
  3. SB 796: Developmental Disabilities--Program Changes & Required Reports.  The fiscal note for this bill estimates a $2.4 million one-time expense to  revise several computer programs to ensure providers of disability services can exchange data electronically.  A good idea; just not this year.
  4. SB 407: Office of the Attorney General - Senior and Vulnerable Adult Asset Recovery Unit.  This bill creates a new unit within the office of the AG, and mandates an expenditure of $250,000 per year. Although the cost of this bill is relatively small, the continued expansion of the office of the AG can hold off until the economy is once again healthy.
  5. SB 504: Office of the Attorney General - Special Education Ombudsman; This Bill is proposing to expand the Office into a new arena, necessitating additional staff to provide a resource that already exists. The Department of Education has a fully staffed "Special Education Family Support and Dispute Resolution Section" that provides the resources and support  required by this bill.  In 2019, its four-member team of individuals with extensive educational experience responded to over 1,000 constituent contacts, including providing assistance with informal dispute resolution, resource referrals and other information as requested.  The fiscal note for this bill is $315,000, increasing annually.  It makes no sense to spend even this amount of money for a service that is already being provided.
  6. HB 1236: Maryland Area Regional Commuter train--Expansion of Service.  The bill has a fiscal note of $1.5 million each of next two years to engage in good-faith negotiations with certain jurisdictions and train companies to reach an agreement on: (1)  a pilot program to establish Maryland Area Regional Commuter train service between Union Station in the District of Columbia and Alexandria Station, Virginia, and conduct a feasibility study of a rail connection between Penn Station and Camden Station.  
  7. HB 1658: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra--Funding and Reporting.  The bill mandates an increase in the BSO by an average of $1 million a year over the next six years. (Fiscal Note)
  8. HB 1659: Maryland Stadium Authority--Youth and Amateur Sports Grants Program.  This bill establishes the Youth and Amateur Sports Grants Program; $1.0 million annually must be allocated from the remaining money in the State Lottery Fund.  (Fiscal Note)
Salary increase Bills:
  1. SB 639: Medical, Nursing & Security Personnel - Compensation Increase. Increases budget @$5 million with annual increases.
  2. SB 693: State Personnel - MD Department of Health - Pay rates & Staffing Requirements. Increases budget $27 million with annual increases.
Regulatory
  1. SB 447 - Public Health - Products Containing a Flame-Retardant Chemical-  The bill prohibits a person from importing, selling, or offering for sale and "juvenile product," mattress, upholstered furniture, or reupholstered furniture if that product contains a certain percentage of specific "flame-retardant chemicals (TCEP & TDCPP).  There are two problems with this bill. One, the impact on small businesses may be meaningful as the bill provides only limited time to phase out existing stock.  Two, information regarding the product being prohibited is insufficient.  Indeed, the bill, itself, acknowledges as much.  Section (e) of the bill states, "The Secretary may suspend implementation as it pertains to juvenile products if the Secretary determines that the fire safety benefits of TCEP or TDCPP are greater than the health risks associated with TCEP or TDCPP." 
  2. SB 1028:  "Balancing the State Budget."  The title of this proposed amendment to t he Maryland Constitution has nothing whatsoever to do with the actual bill.  It was crafted to win votes when the bill goes to referendum.  What the bill actually does authorize the General Assembly to increase or add Executive Department items in the budget bill, provided that the total of the appropriation for the Executive Department approved by the General Assembly does not exceed the total proposed appropriation for the Executive Department submitted by the Governor.  In fact, it destroys Governor's ability to have any control over how money gets spent within the Governor's sphere of influence.   It is virtually a takeover of budgeting by the Legislature.
  3. HB 231: Housing Opportunities Made Equal Act (HOME). Prohibits all landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants n the basis of "source of income" (from using Section 8 housing vouchers). This would impose significantly more time and regulatory compliance: not the right time.
New Tax Bills
  1. HB 732: Tobacco Tax, Sales & Use Tax, and Digital Advertising Gross Revenues Tax. Plus this bill mandates $18.25 million annually for the "Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program beginning in FY '22. Tax on digital advertising
  2. HB 932:  21st Century Economy Fairness Act. Imposes sales tax on specific digital products and codes and requires all revenues from the tax go to fund the Blueprint for MD's Future. Small businesses will be hurt to the extent people stop or limit their purchases of digital products because of the tax.
  3. HB 1095: Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Fund. Charge in original bill was for the board to determine a funding source and report to GA with recommendation by end of this year. This bill accelerates that process by creating rather than recommending, a new "fee" to be paid by pharmaceutical companies.
What can you do?

Email Governor Hogan and ask him to VETO all or any of the bills we don't need. It's quick and it's simple!  For example, if you want him to veto the three tax bills:
  •  Click here to take you to the "Contact the Governor" page shown below;
  • Choose "taxes" from the drop down menu
  • Use the message below, or one of your own in the block:
Dear Governor Hogan,
Please VETO the following bills:
HB 932 - Digital download tax
HB 732 - Digital advertising tax
HB 1095 - Prescription drug fee
 
Fill in your name and information and click SUBMIT

  IF YOU CAN 
GIVE BLOOD

.
Can Howard County Afford to  Implement School Redistricting ?
         As state officials strive to cut budgets, eliminate programs and take many cost-cutting measures that would have been unthinkable a few months ago, Howard County does not yet "get" the financial devastation this pandemic has created and will continue to create even as we return to "normal."
         An April 17th  article in the Baltimore Sun reported that "Howard Schools [plan] on implementing the redistricting plan amid coronavirus pandemic."  A spokesperson for the Howard County School System noted,  " The process has not stopped as far as the schools are concerned. We are still moving forward; we have never sent a message that it was going to be delayed. We are really moving along through this process. "
        The Howard County School Board voted (by a 4-3 vote), to proceed with implementing the plan that was passed last November, over the vociferous objections of thousands of county residents, such as:         
         Negative Impact on the kids.  How every time you force a child to change schools, it negatively impacts their educational experience, and this plan unnecessarily impacts far too many children;
        Negative Impact on Safety.  How putting so many more kids on school buses will negatively impact their safety.  
        Negative impact on the Budget.  How much more we'll have to spend on schools -- primarily for procuring so many more school buses and drivers, and  the incentives that will be needed to recruit and retain school bus drivers.  
        The additional busing required by the redistricting plan will increase transportation costs by an estimated $1.95 million.  
       The cost of the plan was considered, but was never the driving force behind the opposition.  Now, "cost" has and will become the driving force of almost every decision we make for a long time to come.  The School Board majority needs to wake up!
Cl.
Delegate Kittleman Scholarship
District 9-A Residents:
.
        High school seniors, current undergraduate students at a 4-year college, a community college, or a private career school are eligible to apply for a Legislative Scholarship.
  
NOTICE: 
DEADLINE FOR FILING APPLICATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 30TH 
If possible, please EMAIL your applications to Trent.Kittleman@House.State.MD.US

For questions regarding the application process, call my Annapolis office and speak with Chelsea Leigh Murphy, my Legislative Aide, at 410-841-3556.
Delegate Trent Kittleman
District 9A, Western Howard County and Southern Carroll County (Sykesville)
Room 202, Lowe House Office Building
6 Bladen Street,   Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-3556  *   Trent.Kittleman@House.State.MD.US
Interim Office
3000 Kittleman Lane,  West Friendship, MD 21794
301-661-3344  *   trentkittleman@verizon.net
Administrative Aide: Chelsea Leigh Murphy